Allergy Testing

The ALCAT TEST identifies food and chemical sensitivities where the symptom onset is longer (several hours to days) and varied (typical in chronic conditions). These types of sensitivities or intolerances affect nearly everyone and can inflame skin, respiratory, digestive, energy and mood imbalances in people.

The Difference Between Food Allergy and Sensitivity (Intolerance)

The ALCAT TEST is a highly sensitive objective test for assessing which foods you may be intolerant or sensitive to. Our bodies react to foods and chemicals in many different ways. One such way is in the form of an immediate allergic reaction. The ALCAT TEST does not specifically test for this type of classic or “true” food allergy. Therefore, if you already know that you have a Type 1 or IgE mediated allergy then you must continue to avoid those items.

The ALCAT TEST will not identify immediate food allergies. If you have immediate or IgE mediated food allergies please continue to avoid these items even if they appear on your green or “acceptable” foods list.

If you are in any doubt, or have any questions regarding IgE/classic food allergies then we can also test for this . It is rare that foods cause this type of classic allergy, typically less than 5% of the population.

Did You Know?

Food sensitivities or intolerances affect over 80% of the population while less than 5% of us actually have an IgE or “true” food allergy.

Adrenocortex Stress Profile

The Adrenocortex hormone profile is a non-invasive saliva test that serves as a reliable marker of stress response and a critical tool for revealing adrenal imbalances. Lifestyle, physical and psychological stresses put constant demands on the adrenal glands. If they become depleted adrenal fatigue or insufficiency may be experienced.

Each person has two adrenal glands both located on top of each of the body’s two kidneys. These glands are important to the body’s endocrine (hormonal) system. Adrenal fatigue is a very common condition in today’s society through the physical and physiological demands we put on our adrenal glands. Each gland is composed of two distinct zones, the large outer cortex and the inner medulla.

Hormone Test

Hormones are crucial to a woman’s reproductive health. The main hormones affecting the menstrual cycle and fertility are produced by glands in the brain and by the ovaries. Those hormones regulate menstruation, fertility and sex drive (libido) – any one of which can be adversely affected if the production of these hormones goes out of balance. As most women approach mid-life, hormonal changes gradually cause reproductive organs to shut down eventually leading to menopause.

Male Hormone test

The ageing male experiences a decrease in testosterone at a rate of 10% per decade from the age of 30. This reduction of testosterone and other androgens experienced as a consequence of the aging process has been named andropause or androgen deficiency of the ageing male (ADAM).

MTHFR Genetic testing

The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is important for a chemical reaction involving forms of the B-vitamin folate. Specifically, this enzyme converts 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This reaction is required for the multistep process that converts the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid, methionine. The body uses methionine to make proteins and other important compounds.

Why Test?

MTHFR is a regulatory enzyme in folate dependent homocysteine re-methylation. A mutation in the MTHFR gene may affect fertility in both sexes, mood disorders and mental health,autism spectrum disorders, risk of venous thrombosis and is associated with elevated plasma homocysteine.

Analytes:

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (C677T & A1298C)

Common Conditions:

Anxiety

Insomnia

Fatigue

Depression

Autism

Infertility/miscarriage

Organic Acids and Genetic testing

The methylation cofactors panel evaluates methylmalonate and Formiminoglutamate levels. Elevations of methylmalonate is associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency as it is required as a cofactor for conversion of methylmalonate to succinyl-CoA.

Formiminoglutamate (FIGLU) is made from the amino acid, Histidine. Elevated levels of FIGLU is associated with a deficiency of folic acid. Folic acid is especially critical for prenatal and childhood development.

Low or high levels of neurotransmitters are observed in various mental health disorders, such as depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s disease and panic attacks.

The report format includes a correlation analysis section, written by the clinical department, which relates the patients’ symptoms with their corresponding lab results, as an aide to the practitioner.

Serotonin

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesised in serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dopamine

Dopamine is an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesized in many areas of the brain.

Noradrenaline and Adrenaline

Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine) are excitatory neurotransmitters as well as hormones.

GABA

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Glutamate

Glutamate is a major mediator of excitatory signals in the brain and is involved in most aspects of normal brain function including cognition, memory and learning.

Are youon medication or feel your needing extra support ???This test is a accurate way to balance your neurotransmitters and start feeling happy and well again !

Urinary Kryptopyrrole Testing

The analysis is very sensitive and a important test for anyone with mood changes or learning difficulties

Pyroluria is a common feature of many behavioural disorders. The condition indicates an excess of pyrroles, which interrupt vitamin B6 and Zinc metabolism and ultimately serotonin synthesis causing behavioural symptoms, such as ADD, ADHD, Bipolar, aggression, depression and schizophrenia.

Urinary Pyrrole Analysis

The urinary pyrrole test forms part of an array of tests used by practitioners for diagnosing behavioural disorders in children and adults. The behavioural disorders include autism, ADD, ADHD, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. The hydroxyhemoppyrolin-2-one (OHHPL) content of the urine sample is measured using a complex colorimetric method.

The presence of urinary pyrroles can be established using a colorimetric biochemical screening test adapted from Carl Pfeiffer’s method. Urine is collected in two vials, one containing ascorbic acid, wrapped in aluminium foil then frozen immediately for transport.

Samples containing urinary pyrroles at a level of 0 – 10 µg/dL are considered normal or negative,

10 – 15 µg/dL are considered borderline

above 15 µg/dL are considered positive

CDSA – Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis – Stool & Parasite test

Is your stomach unsettled? Nausea? Diarrhoea?

& Constipated? Bloated? Reflux?

The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) is an advanced non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing gastrointestinal function. As the CDSA combines a large number of tests that evaluate the function of the gastrointestinal tract, a comprehensive picture of a patients gut health can be obtained. The analysis investigates digestion + metabolism + pancreatic function + the balance of beneficial bacteria + presence of pathological bacteria, yeast and parasites.

PCR Test

The faecal multiplex RT-PCR profile is capable of rapid, specific and sensitive detection of the bacterial and parasitic pathogens most commonly responsible for causing infectious gastroenteritis that may otherwise go undetected by traditional microbiological techniques. PCR is based on molecular screening of individual parasites rather than detection of parasites based on examination of stool under a microscope.

When diagnosing infectious gastroenteritis, conventional diagnostic methods such as faecal microscopy, culture, and sensitivities (and even biochemical tests and ELISA) can be laborious, expensive and insensitive..

What is tested in the MulitPLEX- PCR test?

Parasites:

Giardia intestinalis

Cryptosporidium

Dienamoeba fragilis

Entamoeba histolytica

Blastocystis hominis

Bacteria:

Campylobacter spp

Salmonella spp

Shigella spp

Yersinia enterocolitica

Aeromonas spp

Conditions:

IBS

Diarrhoea

Bloating

Chronic exhaustion/Fatigue

Constipation

Excess wind

Skin irritations

Never satisfied or full after meals

Patients that have been on a recent vacation

Abdominal pain

Gluten Sensitivity Genetic Test – Buccal Swab

Do you want to find out how sensitive to gluten you are ?

The test detects the genes (human leukocyte antigens or HLA) that control the immune system’s reaction to gluten. There are several types of HLA genes within each person and it is HLA-DQ that is most useful in the assessment of the probability that a person may be gluten sensitive. The reason gene testing assesses probability rather than disease itself is because some people have the genes for gluten sensitivity but have no detectable evidence of the immune reaction to gluten or have no symptoms. In such people, gluten sensitivity is still possible but the probability is lower than in a person who may be having symptoms attributable to gluten or that has antibodies detected.

Heavy Metal Analysis – Urine Spot or 24 Hour

Fatigued? Immune problems?

Trace and essential elements are vital for nearly all of the chemical reactions in the body. Without optimal amounts, the consequences may be chronic disease, acute illness and, in some severe cases, death. Heavy metal toxicities can also lead to numerous health conditions including those affecting the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, muscle, skeletal, skin and nervous systems. Urine metal and mineral analysis measures nutrient and toxic metal content.

Iodine Random – Urine Spot or 24 Hour

Putting on weight? Feeling exhausted??

Current public health recommendations to restrict salt intake, combined with a decline in the use of iodophors by the dairy industry and in commercial bread production, has lead to the re-emergence of this mineral deficiency around the world. Since Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, the major indication of iodine deficiency include hypothyroid symptoms. An iodine deficiency during pregnancy can result in cretism, lowered IQ, mental retardation and stunted growth. Iodine may also play a role in the maintenance of healthy breast tissue and cancer prevention. Its antioxidant, immune regulating and estrogen modulating functions may be mechanisms by which these properties can be explained.

What is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)?

HTMA is a safe and non-invasive pathology test. It measures the levels and comparative ratios of nutrient and toxic minerals found in hair.

HTMA is regarded by many doctors, naturopaths and nutritional therapists as one of the most valuable screening tools available in everyday and preventative health care.

Why test for minerals?

They are the basic ‘spark plugs’ of life.

Ideally we should get all the minerals we need from a balanced diet. Unfortunately today this is rarely possible. Modern farming techniques, fertilisers and depleted soils reduce the mineral content of foods. Environmental pollutants, chemical food additives and stressful lifestyles also have a detrimental effect on our nutritional status.

Many health conditions are aggravated by mineral imbalances and toxic metal excesses, including cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, migraines, learning difficulties and hyperactivity in children, to name just a few.

Hair Test for Body Compatibility

Bio-Compatibility testing is all about finding the foods and products that work best with your unique body from a Naturopathic or electrical perspective. The purpose of the programme is to feed the patient’s body with the correct nutrition it needs to repair and maintain good health. And to eliminate those bio-incompatible foods/products that may lead to health problems.

What will be tested?

It is very important that patients are checked for Bio-Compatibility against as many local foods and household products as possible. In our standard Bio-Compatibility test, we analyse over 450 common LOCAL foods and household products. We also have speciality lists to test for Bio-Compatibility in babies and pets.

The results highlight those bio-incompatible items, which should be removed from the patient’s lifestyle, AND offer a list of Bio-Compatible foods and household products. These compatible foods and products are then used (as a stand-alone programme or in conjunction with other therapies) to build a healthy lifestyle for that particular individual.

Northern Beaches Naturopathy offers many more tests that are not listed to tailor into your individual treatment plan contact us now to discuss.

HEALTH FUND APPROVED – REBATES PAID

Depending on your medical insurance cover, naturopathic consultations are claimable .Please use your receipt to claim. Medicines generally are not claimable from health funds. If you do not have private health cover it is possible to claim a 20% tax rebate.
Proudly a member of the Association of Australian Therapeutic Medicine Society since 1998. We stand by our promise of Quality and Duty of Care. All your medication will be checked for interactions with my natural medicine prescriptions.